Men's Cotton Knitted Underwear
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6114303060 | 32.4% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 6107110010 | 24.9% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 6107120010 | 32.4% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 6109100011 | 34.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 6109901047 | 49.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
AI Analysis
π Men's Cotton Knitted Underwear: HS Code Classification & U.S. Clearance Guide 2026
π HS Code Reference & Clearance Strategy | 2026 Latest Tariff Breakdown | Professional Level Customs Strategy
π 1. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Understand "Men's Knitted Underwear"?
Men's knitted underwear refers to undergarments made primarily of knit fabric, intended for male wearers. In international trade, these items are strictly categorized based on material composition (Cotton vs. Synthetic/Other) and product structure (Briefs/Panties vs. Shirts/Tops).
Two Main Categories:
- Specific Underwear (Briefs/Panties): Items designed specifically as underwear, typically with elastic waistbands, leg openings, and specific crotch constructions.
- Keywords: Knitted, Men's, Underwear.
- General Knit Tops (Shirts/Tees): If the garment lacks specific underwear features (e.g., no separate crotch panel, loose fit), it may be misclassified as a T-shirt or knit shirt.
- Keywords: Knitted, Men's, Top, T-shirt.
β οΈ Critical Distinction Point: - If the item is specifically designed as underwear (with distinct crotch/separation) β It falls under Chapter 61, Heading 6107 (Men's or boys' knitted or crocheted briefs, panties, nightdresses, pajamas, bathrobes, dressing gowns and similar articles). - If the item is a general knit top (no underwear structure) β It falls under Chapter 61, Heading 6109 (T-shirts, singlets and other vests, knitted or crocheted).
π¦ 2. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
| HS Code | Product Description | Applicable Scenario | Material Base | Total Tax Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
6107.11.00.10 |
Men's knitted underwear, Cotton, based on logic of men's use, knit form, and cotton category. | Men's cotton briefs/panties | π§Ά 100% Cotton | 24.9% |
6107.12.00.10 |
Men's knitted underwear, Man-made Fiber, conforming to men's use, knit form, and synthetic fiber definition. | Men's synthetic briefs/panties | 𧡠Man-made Fiber | 32.4% |
6114.30.30.60 |
Men's knitted underwear, inferred from knit form, men's use, and material like man-made fiber or cotton. | General men's knitted undergarments (non-specific subtype) | π§Ά/𧡠Mixed/Other | 32.4% |
6109.10.00.11 |
Men's knitted underwear, inferred from knit form, men's undergarment use, and cotton material. | Misclassified as Knit Tops (Cotton) | π§Ά Cotton | 34.0% |
6109.90.10.47 |
Men's knitted underwear, matching knit form, men's use, and man-made fiber attributes. | Misclassified as Knit Tops (Synthetic) | 𧡠Man-made Fiber | 49.5% |
π Key Reminder: - Correct Classification: If it is clearly underwear (briefs/panties), it MUST be classified under 6107.11 (Cotton) or 6107.12 (Synthetic). - Risk of Misclassification: If declared as "T-shirt" or "Knit Top" (
6109.xx), the tax rate increases significantly (34.0%~49.5%) due to higher base tariffs. Do not mix up "Underwear" with "Knit Tops".
π° 3. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Additional Taxes & Policy Surcharges)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: Post-November 2025 (Subject to current trade policies)
π― 1. 6107.11.00.10 β Men's Knitted Underwear (Cotton)
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 7.4% (ad valorem) |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +7.5% (From USITC Footnote 9903.88.01) |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10% (Targeting China/HK products) |
| Total Tax Rate | 24.9% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 24.9% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible (deny_de_minimis) |
| Legal Basis Path | Base Tariff: 7.4% β 301: 7.5% β Sec 122: 10% |
π Explanation: - This is the most favorable rate for cotton men's underwear. - "301 Surcharge" is from the Section 301 Trade Act. - "Section 122 Tariff" is an additional levy on Chinese imports. - Total 24.9% is relatively moderate compared to synthetic options.
π― 2. 6107.12.00.10 β Men's Knitted Underwear (Man-made Fiber)
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 14.9% (ad valorem) |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +7.5% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10% |
| Total Tax Rate | 32.4% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 32.4% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Basis Path | Base Tariff: 14.9% β 301: 7.5% β Sec 122: 10% |
π Note: - Synthetic fabrics (polyester, nylon, etc.) have a higher base tariff than cotton. - Commonly used in sports underwear or moisture-wicking garments. - Total 32.4% is higher than cotton due to the 14.9% base.
π― 3. 6114.30.30.60 β Other Men's Knitted Underwear
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 14.9% (ad valorem) |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +7.5% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10% |
| Total Tax Rate | 32.4% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 32.4% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible |
π Note: - This code covers broader categories of knitted men's underwear not specified in 6107.11 or 6107.12. - Tax rate is identical to synthetic underwear.
π¨ 4. Risk Scenario: Misclassification as Knit Tops (6109)
If you incorrectly declare men's underwear as "T-shirts" or "Knit Vests":
π― 4a. 6109.10.00.11 β Men's Knit Tops (Cotton)
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 16.5% |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +7.5% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10% |
| Total Tax Rate | 34.0% |
| Risk: Overpayment! | πΈ +1.6% extra compared to correct cotton underwear. |
π― 4b. 6109.90.10.47 β Men's Knit Tops (Man-made Fiber)
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 32.0% |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +7.5% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10% |
| Total Tax Rate | 49.5% |
| Risk: Severe Overpayment! | πΈ +17.1% extra compared to correct synthetic underwear. CRITICAL ERROR! |
π Conclusion: - Misclassifying underwear as knit tops leads to significantly higher taxes, especially for synthetic materials (49.5% vs 32.4%). - Always ensure the product description clearly states "Underwear" or "Briefs/Panties", not "T-shirt" or "Top".
π οΈ 4. Practical Clearance Advice (Battle-Tested Pitfall Guide)
β 1. Required Documentation Checklist (All Mandatory)
| Document | Mandatory | Description |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Must include: Material composition (e.g., 95% Cotton, 5% Spandex), Size, Color, Care Label. |
| β Product Photos | βοΈ | Clear images showing the garment structure (e.g., crotch separation for underwear). |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must explicitly state "Men's Knitted Underwear", not "Clothing" or "Apparel". |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | List quantities per box, total gross/net weight. |
| β Certificate of Origin (CO) | βοΈ | If applicable for any preferential treatment (though US-China has no FTA). |
| β Lab Test Report | βοΈ | Recommended: Material test report to prove fiber content (Cotton vs. Polyester). |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mantra)
π₯ "Be Specific, Specify 'Underwear', Avoid 'Top', Save 17% on Synthetic!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Declaration | Consequence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Men's Cotton Briefs | 6107.11.00.10 (Men's Knitted Underwear, Cotton) |
"Men's Cotton T-Shirt" | Tax jumps to 34.0% |
| Men's Synthetic Briefs | 6107.12.00.10 (Men's Knitted Underwear, Synthetic) |
"Men's Synthetic T-Shirt" | Tax jumps to 49.5% |
| Mixed Material | 6114.30.30.60 |
Generic "Men's Clothing" | Customs may reclassify, delay, or impose penalties. |
β 3. Special Handling Cases
| Case | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| OEM Private Label | Provide customer authorization letter and design drawings to prove it's not counterfeit. |
| Sample Shipments | Even samples are subject to duty if declared as commercial goods. Label clearly as "Sample" but still declare HS Code. |
| Material Blends | Classify based on major fiber content. If 51% cotton, classify as Cotton (6107.11). If 51% polyester, classify as Synthetic (6107.12). |
| Packaging | Avoid ambiguous terms like "Apparel" or "Garment". Use "Men's Underwear" or "Briefs". |
π 5. Global Market Clearance Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff (China Origin) | Certification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 6107.11.00.10 (Cotton)6107.12.00.10 (Synthetic) |
24.9% (Cotton) 32.4% (Synthetic) |
None required for clearance | High Section 301 & 122 tariffs apply. |
| π¨π³ China | 6107.11.00.006107.12.00.00 |
15%-20% (Import) | CCC (if applicable) | No additional surcharges. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 6107.11.006107.12.00 |
12% (Standard) | CE (if textile chemicals regulated) | No Section 301 equivalent. |
| π¦πΊ Australia | 6107.11.006107.12.00 |
5% | None | Lower base tariff than US. |
| π―π΅ Japan | 6107.11.006107.12.00 |
18% | None | Higher base tariff. |
π Conclusion: - USA is the most expensive market for Chinese-origin men's underwear due to Section 301 and 122 tariffs. - Cotton underwear has a lower tax burden (24.9%) than synthetic (32.4%) in the US. - Avoid misclassification as it can increase taxes by up to 17% (for synthetic).
π 6. Common Errors & Pitfall Guide (Blood Lessons)
β Error 1: Declaring "Men's Underwear" as "Men's T-Shirt" π Consequence: Tax increases from 32.4% to 49.5% for synthetic. Loss of $17 per $100 value!
β Error 2: Using vague terms like "Men's Clothing" or "Apparel" π Consequence: Customs delays for reclassification, potential fines, and storage fees.
β Error 3: Ignoring Material Composition π Consequence: If material test shows 51% Polyester but declared as Cotton, customs will assess 32.4% instead of 24.9%.
β Error 4: Not providing product photos π Consequence: Customs cannot verify if it's underwear or a top, leading to inspection delays.
β Correct Practice:
"Men's Knitted Cotton Briefs, 95% Cotton 5% Spandex, Elastic Waistband, Black, Size M-L"
π― 7. Conclusion: Precision Classification Saves Money!
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ "Underwear is Underwear, Don't Call it a Top!" πΉ "Cotton is Cheaper (24.9%), Synthetic is Costly (32.4%)." πΉ "Misclassify as T-Shirt, Pay 49.5% β That's a Huge Mistake!"
π Pro Tip:
If your underwear is produced in Vietnam, Mexico, or Thailand, you may qualify for lower or zero tariffs due to US trade policies. Consider supply chain diversification. Always apply for an Advance Ruling from U.S. Customs if unsure about classification.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Contact a professional customs broker + Provide product photos + Request HS Code Advance Ruling π Let your underwear clear customs smoothly, maximize profits, and grow your business!
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification! πΌ Every cent of cost deserves precise calculation!
Customer Reviews
About HS Code Classification
The Harmonized System (HS) is an internationally standardized nomenclature developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO) to classify traded products. Over 200 countries use the HS system as the basis for customs tariffs, trade statistics, and import/export regulations.
Each HS code follows a hierarchical structure:
- Chapter (2 digits) β Broad category of goods (e.g., Chapter 84: Machinery and Mechanical Appliances)
- Heading (4 digits) β More specific grouping within the chapter
- Subheading (6 digits) β Internationally standardized breakdown, used by all WCO member countries
- National subdivisions (8-10 digits) β Country-specific extensions for further classification, such as US HTSUS 10-digit codes
Correct HS code classification is essential for smooth customs clearance, accurate duty payment, and compliance with trade regulations. Misclassification can lead to customs delays, overpayment of duties, or penalties.
When importing from CN to US, the applicable tariff rates may include:
- Most-Favored-Nation (MFN) rate β The standard duty rate applied to WTO members
- General rate β Applied to countries without trade agreements
- Trade remedy duties β Additional tariffs such as Section 301 (anti-dumping), Section 232 (national security), or countervailing duties
The information provided on this page is for reference purposes only. For official classification, please consult with your local customs authority or a licensed customs broker.